VFF president Emma Germano said the commitment was important to protect farms in the event of a biosecurity incursion.
“The VFF is pleased to see the government will be undertaking practical measures to help boost our ability to test for disease and provide a rapid response,” she said.
Ms Germano said in addition to the immediate support announced by the government, she hoped to see all sides of politics commit to boosting Victoria’s biosecurity capabilities at the forthcoming state election.
“Although the threat of foot and mouth and lumpy skin has brought biosecurity into the public spotlight at this moment in time, farmers know we must be vigilant all the time,” she said.
“We expect that in the context of state election being held in November, combined with the overwhelming threats facing our industry right now, we will see some solid commitments put on the table to help boost Victoria’s biosecurity system.”
New portable sample testing and mobile incident centres are among the measures announced by the Victorian Government.
The support will be tailored to industry and community, with the development of a campaign to help stop foot and mouth disease already under way.
If an outbreak occurs, a portable testing lab will be deployed to outbreak locations to allow real-time on-site sample testing.
The funding will also ensure farmers are equipped with resources if there is a detection and enable them to liaise with Agriculture Victoria as quickly as possible should there need to be the implementation of a livestock standstill.
The government is set to establish Mobile Incident Command Centres, and roll-out IT system upgrades to track outbreaks and co-ordinate online permits for livestock movements.
Specialist training in emergency animal diseases, outbreak management and recovery arrangements will also be rolled out to identified government agency staff and industry.
An additional 49 dedicated emergency animal disease staff are also being recruited to advance response measures already under way.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney said livestock industries were extremely valuable, and the state must have the infrastructure and people in place in case of an emergency animal disease outbreak.
“We will continue engaging with industry, farmers and communities, to ensure they are prepared if an outbreak were to occur,” Ms Tierney said.